Autumn in Yangmingshan means northeasterly winds and large tracts of blossoming cogon grass flowers. The mountains appear to be covered in a white blanket of snow, creating an unforgettable sight. Visiting Yangmingshan at this time of the year, hiking or biking along the various trails, provides a different perspective on Taipei’s beautiful garden. Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters hosts the “Yangmingshan Cycling Festival” one week before “World Car Free Day” in order to promote the concept of ecological sustainability and to promote low-carbon bicycling as a mode of transportation.

Since the first festival was hosted in 2011, registration has been overwhelming for the Yangmingshan Cycling Festival. Spaces fill up quickly and many cycling and Yangmingshan enthusiasts are keen to be accompanied by the beautiful views of Yangmingshan National Park along the 66.1 km route.

This year’s route passes through the visitor center, Xiaoyoukeng, Zhonghu, Macao, Bayan, Jinshan, and then on to Fengguikou, Maple (Fenglin) Bridge, Zhishan Road, Pingjing Village, Shanzihou, and finally back to Zhongshan Building. The course covers the best parts of the park, combining the cultural history and settlement architecture of Jinshan and Wanli. The entire course is 66.1 km, with a 1,660 meter climb.

Official details such as cycling information are available on the Yangmingshan National Park website. Participants can find out route information and roadside landscape before the event. The Cycling Festival takes place on September 15 and participants will depart in staggered waves with different departure times, to ensure sufficient space. Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters set up detailed traffic guides and there will be staff along the route to guide participants. There will also be rest stops and water stations along the way. All of these additions have been hailed as very thoughtful by participating cyclists. In addition, pick-up services from the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall to Yangmingshan’s Zhongshan Building will be available this year as well, saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint.

Along with the prevalence of LOHAS, there has also been a rise in casual cycling as a method of traveling that is closer to nature or local customs. In addition to letting people get closer to the land, cycling also has health benefits. Riding in the park, cyclists experience the many facets of environmental protection and eco-tourism. They then grow to respect the environment and support sustainable development of these beautiful forests.